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 Tom Ford is retail orgasm. Now overseeing YSL, Ford has shaken off the dust from the line's signature peasant blouses, "le smoking" jackets and Orientalist flourishes, and brought them back, shoulder-baring ruffles blazing. The panting for the YSL S&M-meets-the-rodeo crisscrossed and buckled leather boot has caused great consternation in waitlist circles. But for fall's many black tie events, nothing beats a slim white Saint Laurent suit. Fashion history is in each stitch: who can forget Bianca Jagger wearing hers to exchange vows with Mick? Available at YSL Rive Gauche Boutique, 855 Madison Avenue, New York, 212-517-7400. |
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 Parisian duo Alexandre Morgado and Matthieu Bureau, the couple behind the Alexandre Matthieu Collection, manage to design clothes that please both Icelandic songstresses and discriminating hipsters who need to strike deals as well as poses. The label's spirited fall collection comprises plunging V-neck beaded sweaters, sharp graphic tuxedos and black-and-white printed skirts. Signature pieces include delicate ribbon trompe l'oeil designs on proper ladies dresses and boxy tops, which are just the thing for Fall's blunt-nosed, platform heel Mary Janes. Available at Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Avenue, New York, 212-247-1100. |
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 Stick a fork in your designer dry-clean-only denim because you're done with it. It's time to resurrect those tattered pairs of Levis from your overstuffed closet, or better still, head to the Levis Selvedge Nolita store for the latest ironic twist on a fashion icon. In keeping with the current slashed-and-torn craze, the Levis Selvedge store offers custom manipulation of the Selvedge line by up-and-coming New York designers/artists. Our favorite are the jeans from the Yoko Deveraux "Luxury Kills" collection. Andy Salzer, the designer behind the label, offers the "Stalker" jean, a pair graffiti'd with the home and cell phone numbers of celebrities, and "Obsess to Impress," which proudly displays the $900 price tag. Yoko Deveraux for Selvedge ($450-$3,500). Selvedge, 250 Mulberry Street, 212-219-0994. |
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